Work fixing clamp system

ABSTRACT

A clamp system includes a plurality of clamping devices arrayed along at least a first hydraulic supply loop and a plurality of support devices arrayed along at least a second hydraulic supply loop. The clamping devices may include vertical rotating clamping devices which rotate vertically to secure a workpiece to a base plate. The clamping devices may also include horizontally rotating clamping devices which rotate axially and extend vertically to clamp the workpiece. The support devices support and stabilize the workpiece during machining operations. The first and second hydraulic supply loops are interconnected and allow the clamping devices to clamp the workpiece before the support pieces support the workpiece. The second hydraulic supply loop boosts support to and locks the support devices for additional stability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a clamp system which employs aplurality hydraulic clamps to removably secure a workpiece to a baseplate. More specifically, the present invention relates to a maincylinder unit in each hydraulic clamp supplied through wall-basedhydraulic pathways.

2. Description of the Related Art

Referring now to FIG. 12, standard clamp system includes a plurality ofclamp devices 210 to secure a workpiece Wa to a base plate 200. Duringoperation, clamp devices 210 operate through hydraulic pressure toengage and disengage workpiece Wa. During normal engagement, workpieceWa solidly engages base plate 200 for machining.

On a left-hand side of FIG. 12, a pair of bolts 217 secures a maincylinder unit 211 in an attachment hole 201 of base plate 200. An outputmember 212 extends from main cylinder unit 211 and secures workpiece Wato base plate 200.

Output member 212 includes a piston rod 213 and an arm 214. Piston rod213 extends away from main cylinder unit 211 and base plate 200. Arm 214extends perpendicularly from main cylinder unit 211 and engagesworkpiece Wa. Arm 214 is pivotable about main cylinder unit 211 to alloweasy positioning of workpiece Wa.

A guide 215 forms a rod-side cylinder end wall on main cylinder unit 211and guides piston rod 213 during operation. A hydraulic pipe 216 joins ahydraulic hose (not shown) to main cylinder unit 211.

During operation, hydraulic pipe 216 supplies hydraulic pressure fromthe hydraulic pressure supply device (not shown) to main cylinder unit211. As hydraulic pressure in main cylinder unit 211 increases, pistonrod 213 lowers. As piston rod 213 lowers, arm 214 presses a clampingpoint (not shown) on workpiece Wa onto a receiving base 202 and baseplate 200.

On a right-hand side of FIG. 12, a pair of bolts 219 secures a secondclamping device 210 to base plate 200. A spacer base plate 218 spacesthe right-hand side main cylinder unit 211 away from base plate 200.During adjustment, replacement spacer base plates 218 may be used toadjust the clamping height ranges for differently shaped workpiece Wa.

Clamping devices 210 operate as horizontally pivoting clamps which allowarms 214 to pivot in a tandem with operation of piston rods 213 to alloweasy placement of workpiece Wa. Unfortunately, clamping devices of thisdesign have several undesirable features. First, hydraulic pipe 216 iseasily damaged causing undesirably downtime and loss in productionefficiency. Second, guide members 215 require a larger base plate 200and reduce machining efficiency. Third, where hydraulic pipes 216 aredamaged, clamping force may be unexpectedly reduced causing operatorinjury. Fourth, since each clamping device 210 requires an individualhydraulic pipe 216 complexity and costs are increased.

Referring now to FIG. 13, in a second clamp system, a main cylinder unit221 of a clamp device 220 fits inside a base plate 230. A flange 222 onclamp device 220 serves as a guide member and abuts an upper surface ofbase plate 230.

A horizontal oil path 232 and a vertical oil path 231 link a hydraulicport 232 to a hydraulic pressure supply device (not shown). Horizontaloil path 232 and vertical oil path 231 are inside base plate 230. Baseplate 230 operates to protect horizontal and vertical oil paths 232,231. Unfortunately, it is difficult to produce secure, clean, andeffective internal oil passageways, thereby increasing manufacturingcosts and reducing reliability.

Referring additionally to FIG. 14, in a third clamp system, a singlespacer 225 spaces main cylinder unit 221 from a base plate 235 andaccommodates differently shaped workpieces Wa.

Spacer 225 includes an oil path 226. Oil path 226 joins hydraulic port223 of main cylinder unit 221 to a hydraulic port 227. Hydraulic port227 is on a bottom end of oil path 226 and spacer 225. A hydraulic pipe236 extends from the hydraulic pressure supply device (not shown) tobase plate 235. A connected oil path 237 extends continuously fromhydraulic pipe 236 to hydraulic port 223. Connected oil path 237supplies hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pressure supply device tomain cylinder unit 221.

As noted above, with the above design it is difficult to produce secure,clean, and effective internal oil passageways, thereby increasingmanufacturing costs and reducing reliability.

Referring additionally to FIG. 15, a fourth clamp system includes a pairof spacers 225 separating main cylinder unit 221 from a base plate 240.Oil paths 226 in spacers 225 are aligned with a vertical oil path 241.Oil path 241 and a horizontal oil path 242 transport hydraulic pressurefrom the hydraulic pressure supply device through oil paths 226 to maincylinder unit 221.

In each clamp system described above, single or multiple spacers 218,225adjust the height at which arms 214 of main cylinder units 220 clampworkpieces Wa. Unfortunately, each change in workpiece Wa size, requiresdisassembly, alignment of the multiple oil pathways, and securereassembly. Such disassembly-alignment-reassembly actions increaseproduction time, risk equipment damage, and increase the probability ofhydraulic leaks.

As noted above, it is unfortunately also difficult to produce secure,clean, and effective internal oil passageways, thereby increasingmanufacturing costs and reducing reliability.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a plurality of clamp devices 250 aredisposed along an edge of a base plate 260. A pair of hydraulic ports252, 253 are at a bottom end of a flange 251 on each clamp device 250.

A plurality of clamping oil paths 261 supply hydraulic pressure from anexternal supply device (not shown) to each hydraulic port 252 on eachrespective clamp device 250. Clamping oil paths 261 are inside baseplate 260.

A plurality of unclamping oil paths supply 265 return hydraulic pressureto the external supply device from each hydraulic port 253 of eachrespective clamp device 250. Unclamping oil paths 265 are inside baseplate 260.

Shared oil paths 262, 266 extend linearly inside base plate 260 adirection parallel to the plurality of clamping devices 250. Clampingoil path 261 includes shared oil path 262. Unclamping oil path 265includes shared oil path 266.

A plurality of horizontal oil paths 263 extends toward each respectiveclamp device 250 from shared oil path 262. A plurality of horizontal oilpaths 267 extends toward each respective clamp device 250 from sharedoil path 266.

A plurality of perpendicular oil paths 264 connects each oil path 263 toeach respective hydraulic port ports 252. A plurality of perpendicularoil paths 267 connects each oil path 267 to each respective hydraulicport 253.

During operation it is desirable for base plate 260 to have both compactdimensions and sufficient strength and rigidity to secure workpieces Waof a predetermined size. It is also desirable to maximize available worksurface on each base plate 260. By maximizing the available work surfaceand minimizing the dimensions of base plate 260, multiple operations maybe performed at a single work station. The more compact base plate 260,the more compact a machining tool (restricted by the mounting zone ofthe base plate) may be for each workpiece Wa. Unfortunately, multiplehydraulic pipes reduce a base plate to workpiece ration and increasecosts.

Unfortunately, with the design described above, production costs arehigh since clamping and unclamping oil paths 261, 265 are difficult toproduce. This difficulty in manufacture also increases productionfailure rates and reduces quality.

For each design described above, the plurality of hydraulic pipesrestricts movement when transporting each respective base plate andincreases production time.

Finally, when piston rods 213 extend they are exposed to machiningdebris and damage, and the guiding ability of the design is not adequateand elastic deformation tends to occur.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a clamping system thatovercomes the problems described above.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a clampingsystem where oil pathways are simplified and easily, quickly, andcheaply manufactured.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a clampingsystem where piston rods receive adequate guidance and protection duringoperation.

It is another object of the present invention to increase an availablework area on the base plate.

It is another object of the present invention to provide sufficientsupport to a workpiece on the base plate to resist downward movementduring machining.

The present invention relates to a clamp system including a plurality ofclamping devices arrayed along at least a first hydraulic supply loopand a plurality of support devices arrayed along at least a secondhydraulic supply loop. The clamping devices may include verticalrotating clamping devices which rotate vertically to secure a workpieceto a base plate. The clamping devices may also include horizontallyrotating clamping devices which rotate axially and extend vertically toclamp the workpiece. The support devices support and stabilize theworkpiece during machining operations. The first and second hydraulicsupply loops are interconnected and allow the clamping devices to clampthe workpiece before the support pieces support the workpiece. Thesecond hydraulic supply loop boosts support to and locks the supportdevices for additional stability.

According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided aclamp system, for disengageably securing a workpiece using a pluralityof hydraulic clamp devices, a clamp system wherein: a thick base plateis disposed to allow mounting of said plurality of clamp devices, eachof said hydraulic clamp devices including a main cylinder unit disposedin a wall of said base plate and oriented along a thickness axis of saidbase plate, an output member including a piston rod extending from saidmain cylinder unit toward a surface of said base plate, a guide memberdisengageably secured to said surface of said base plate and guidingsaid piston rod to allow a forward and a back motion, said guide membercovering a major portion of said piston rod projecting out from saidsurface and not obstructing a clamping operation of said output member,a rod-side cylinder end wall of said main cylinder unit disengageablysecured to said base plate, and a first oil path formed in said wall ofsaid base plate to supply a hydraulic pressure from a hydraulic pressuresupplying means to each said main cylinder unit of said plurality ofclamp devices.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isfurther provided a clamp system, for securing a workpiece, wherein: saidworkpiece, clamped by said plurality of clamp devices, is supported fromsaid base plate by a plurality of support devices, each of said supportdevices including a second main cylinder unit disposed in said wall ofsaid base plate and oriented along a thickness axis of said base plate,a support member including a second piston rod extending from said maincylinder unit toward said surface of said base plate, and a second oilpath formed in said wall of base plate to supply said hydraulic pressurefrom said hydraulic pressure supplying means to said second maincylinder units of said plurality of support devices.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isfurther provided a clamp system, for securing a workpiece, wherein: ahydraulic pressure booster means disposed on said base plate iseffective to increase said hydraulic pressure received from saidhydraulic pressure supplying means and supplying said increasedhydraulic pressure to said plurality of support devices via said secondoil path.

According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided aclamp system, for disengageably securing a workpiece to a base plate,comprising: a plurality of clamping members on said base plate; saidplurality of clamping members effective to hydraulically and securelyclamp said workpiece to said base plate during an external operation; aplurality of support members on said base plate; said plurality ofsupport members effective to hydraulically and securely support saidworkpiece on said base plate during said external operation; hydraulicpressure means for supplying at least a first hydraulic pressure to saidplurality of clamping members and to said plurality of support membersto enable respective clamping and supporting of said workpiece; andhydraulic booster means for boosting said at least first hydraulicpressure to a boosted hydraulic pressure, and for supplying said boostedhydraulic pressure to and locking said plurality of support members,whereby said clamping system easily and securely clamps and supportssaid workpiece and allows speedy removal for later processing.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said plurality of clamping membersincludes at least one vertically pivoting hydraulic clamp device.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said hydraulic pressure means includesat least first oil path means for supplying said first hydraulicpressure downstream to said plurality of support members.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said hydraulic booster means includesat least second oil path means for suppling said boosted hydraulicpressure downstream to said plurality of said support members; and saidhydraulic booster means effective to boost said at least first hydraulicpressure to said boosted hydraulic pressure after said workpiece issecurely clamped to said base plate at said first hydraulic pressure,whereby said support members will not shift said workpiece uponapplication of said boosted hydraulic pressure.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said first oil path means forsupplying is in said base plate; and said second oil path means forsupplying is in said base plate, wherein said base plate provides easyprotection for said first oil path means and said second oil path meansand minimizes damage to said hydraulic pressure means and said hydraulicbooster means during said external operation.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said first oil path means forsupplying supplies said first hydraulic pressure downstream to saidplurality of support members along a series hydraulic circuit.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said second oil path means forsupplying supplies said boosted hydraulic pressure along a parallelhydraulic circuit.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said plurality of clamping membersincluding at least one horizontally pivoting hydraulic clamp device; andsaid at one vertically pivoting hydraulic clamp device operable intandem with said at least one horizontally pivoting hydraulic clampdevice upon receiving said first hydraulic pressure from said hydraulicpressure means for supplying.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, further comprising: a main cylinder unit insaid vertically pivoting hydraulic clamp device; said main cylinder unitextending perpendicular to said base plate; a piston rod in said maincylinder unit; said piston rod extending away from said main cylinderunit when said main cylinder unit receives said first hydraulic pressurein a clamping direction and retracting toward said main cylinder unitwhen said main cylinder unit receives said first hydraulic pressure inan unclamping direction; a guide member on said main cylinder unit; saidguide member disengageably fixed to an upper surface of said base plate;and said guide member effective to support said piston rod during saidextending and said retracting whereby said guide member protects saidpiston rod from damage and debris during said external operation.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, further comprising: a rod-side cylinder endwall on main cylinder unit; said rod-side cylinder end wall integralwith guide member; said piston rod on an output member; a pivot arm onsaid output member; said pivot arm is pivotably supported on a first endof said piston rod; said pivot arm effective to securely clamp saidworkpiece to said baseplate during said clamping; a pivot linkingmechanism rotatively linking said pivot arm and said guide member; apivot linking member in said pivot linking mechanism; and said pivotlinking mechanism vertically pivoting said pivot arm in tandem with saidextending and said retracting of said piston rod, whereby said pivotlinking mechanism and said pivot arm transmit said first hydraulic forceand securely clamp an speedily unclamp said workpiece.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, further comprising: a second main cylinder unitin said horizontally pivoting hydraulic clamp device; said second maincylinder unit extending perpendicular to said base plate; a secondpiston rod in said second main cylinder unit; said second piston rodextending away from said second main cylinder unit when said second maincylinder unit receives said first hydraulic pressure in said unclampingdirection and retracting toward said second main cylinder unit when saidsecond main cylinder unit receives said first hydraulic pressure in saidclamping direction; a second guide member on said second main cylinderunit; said second guide member disengageably fixed to an upper surfaceof said base plate; and said second guide member effective to supportsaid second piston rod during said extending and said retracting wherebysaid second guide member protects said second piston rod from damage anddebris during said external operation.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, further comprising: a second rod-side cylinderend wall on second main cylinder unit; said second rod-side cylinder endwall integral with second guide member; said second piston rod on asecond output member; a second pivot arm on said second output member;said second pivot arm fixably extending from a first end of said secondpiston rod perpendicular to said second piston rod; said second pivotarm effective to securely clamp said workpiece to said baseplate duringsaid clamping; a pivoting mechanism rotatably and extendably linkingsaid second piston rod and said second main cylinder unit; and saidpivoting mechanism effective to vertically extend, retract, and pivotsaid second pivot arm in tandem with said extending and said retractingof said second piston rod, whereby said pivoting linking mechanismtransmits said first hydraulic force and securely clamp an speedilyunclamps said workpiece.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, further comprising: at least a rod member insaid pivoting mechanism; at least a head-side cylinder end wall in saidsecond main cylinder unit; said rod member fixably linked at a top sideinside a lower section of said second piston rod; said rod memberslidably and rotatably linked at a bottom side to said head-sidecylinder end wall; said rod member including a plurality of helicalgrooves along an outer circumference of said rod member; said pluralityof helical grooves traveling in an arc about said outer circumference;said arc between seventy-five and up to ninety degree (75°-90°); asupport member on an upper side of said head-side cylinder end wall; aplurality of balls rotatably supported and retained in support member;and said plurality of balls engaging respectively each said plurality ofhelical grooves, whereby when said second piston rod extends andretracts, said rod member rotatably guides said second piston rod andsaid second pivot arm through said arc to speedily engage and disengagesaid workpiece.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said arc is between ninety and up toone hundred and five degrees (90°-105°).

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said plurality of support membersincludes at least a first vertical support device; a third main cylinderunit in said first vertical support device; said third main cylinderunit extending perpendicular to said base plate; a cylinder cap in saidmain cylinder unit; a head-side cylinder end wall secured to saidcylinder cap; said cylinder cap and said head-side cylinder end wallsecuring said third main cylinder unit in said base plate; a supportmember in said vertical support device; said support member extendsperpendicular to said base plate and away from said main cylinder unit;a third piston rod in said support member; a support rod extending froman upper end of said third piston rod; said third main cylinder uniteffective to receive said first hydraulic pressure as at least one of afirst support pressure and a first unsupporting pressure andrespectively extending and retracting said third piston rod according tosaid first hydraulic pressure; a third guide member extending away fromsaid base plate; said third guide member guidably surrounding andsupporting said support member during said extension and saidretraction, thereby protecting said support member from debris anddamage; and means for receiving said boosted hydraulic pressure fromsaid hydraulic booster means and releasably locking said support memberagainst said workpiece relative to said third main cylinder, wherebysaid workpiece is supported at a pressure greater than said firsthydraulic pressure.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, for disengageably securing a workpiece to abase plate, comprising: a plurality of clamping members on said baseplate; said plurality of clamping members effective to hydraulicallyclamp said workpiece to said base plate; a plurality of support memberson said base plate; said plurality of support members effective tohydraulically support said workpiece on said base plate; hydraulicpressure means for supplying at least a first hydraulic pressure to eachsaid clamping member and to each said support member; and hydraulicbooster means for boosting said at least first hydraulic pressure to aboosted hydraulic pressure, and for supplying said boosted hydraulicpressure to and locking said plurality of support members, whereby saidclamping system easily and securely clamps and supports said workpieceand allows speedy removal for later processing.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said plurality of clamping members arevertically pivoting hydraulic clamp devices.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said plurality of clamping members arehorizontally pivoting hydraulic clamp devices.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, for disengageably securing a workpiece to abase plate, comprising: a plurality of clamping members on said baseplate; said plurality of clamping members effective to hydraulically andsecurely clamp said workpiece to said base plate during an externaloperation; said plurality of clamping members including at least onevertically pivoting hydraulic clamp device; a plurality of supportmembers on said base plate; said plurality of support members effectiveto hydraulically and securely support said workpiece on said base plateduring said external operation; hydraulic pressure means for supplyingat least a first hydraulic pressure to said plurality of clampingmembers and to said plurality of support members; and hydraulic boostermeans for boosting said at least first hydraulic pressure to a boostedhydraulic pressure, and for supplying said boosted hydraulic pressure toand locking said plurality of support members, whereby said clampingsystem easily and securely clamps and supports said workpiece and allowsspeedy removal for later processing.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a clamp system, for disengageably securing a workpiece to abase plate, comprising: a plurality of clamping members on said baseplate; said plurality of clamping members effective to hydraulically andsecurely clamp said workpiece to said base plate during an externaloperation; said plurality of clamping members including at least onevertically pivoting hydraulic clamp device and at least one horizontallypivoting hydraulic clamp device; a plurality of support members on saidbase plate; said plurality of support members effective to hydraulicallyand securely support said workpiece on said base plate during saidexternal operation; hydraulic pressure means for supplying at least afirst hydraulic pressure to said plurality of clamping members and tosaid plurality of support members; and hydraulic booster means forboosting said at least first hydraulic pressure to a boosted hydraulicpressure, and for supplying said boosted hydraulic pressure to andlocking said plurality of support members, whereby said clamping systemeasily and securely clamps and supports said workpiece and allows speedyremoval for later processing.

According to another embodiment for the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, for disengageably securing a workpiece to abase plate using a plurality of hydraulic clamp devices, comprising:said plurality of hydraulic clamp devices on said base plate; at least amain cylinder unit in each said hydraulic clamp device; said maincylinder unit disposed in a wall of said base plate; said main cylinderunit oriented along a first thickness axis of said base plate; at leastan output member in each said hydraulic clamp device; a piston rod ineach said output member extending away from said main cylinder unit; aguide member disengageably secured to a surface of said base plate; saidguide member effective to guide said piston rod during an extension anda retraction; said guide member covering at least have of said pistonrod projecting away from said surface of said base plate; a rod-sidecylinder end wall on said main cylinder unit; hydraulic pressuresupplying means for supplying at least a first hydraulic pressure tosaid main cylinder units; said rod-side cylinder mend wall disengageablysecured to said base plate; and at least a first oil path in a wall ofsaid base plate effective supply said first hydraulic pressure fromhydraulic pressure supplying means to said main cylinder units, wherebysaid plurality of clamp devices securely clamp said workpiece to saidbase plate.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, further comprising: a plurality of supportdevices; said plurality of support devices extending away from said baseplate; said plurality of support devices effective to support anexternal clamped workpiece away from said base plate during an externaloperation; each said support device including a second main cylinderunit; said second main cylinder unit disposed in said wall of said baseplate; said second main cylinder unit oriented along said thickness axisof said base plate; a second support member in each said plurality ofsupport devices; said second support member including a second pistonrod; said second piston rod extending from said second main cylinderunit away from said base plate; a second oil path in said base plate;and said second oil path supplying said first hydraulic pressure fromsaid hydraulic pressure supplying means to each said second maincylinder units of said plurality of support devices.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, further comprising: means for boosting saidfirst hydraulic pressure received said hydraulic pressure supplyingmeans to a second hydraulic pressure; said means for boosting on saidbase plate; said means for boosting increasing including means forsupplying said second hydraulic pressure to said plurality of supportdevices, whereby said plurality of support devices provide increasedsupport to said workpiece.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said means for boosting includes atleast a second oil path; said second oil path effective to transportsaid second hydraulic pressure to said plurality of support devices.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said plurality of hydraulic clampdevices includes at least one horizontally pivoting hydraulic clampdevice; a pivoting mechanism in said horizontally pivoting hydraulicclamp device; and said pivoting mechanism effective to pivot said pistonrod an a horizontal clearance arc in tandem with a clamping and anunclamping action of said horizontally pivoting clamp device, wherebysaid workpiece is speedily clamped to said baseplate.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said plurality of hydraulic clampdevices includes at least one vertically pivoting hydraulic clampdevice; said vertically pivoting hydraulic clamp device includes atleast an output member; said output member includes a pivot arm having apivotably supported pivot point; a pivot point link member operablyjoined to said guide member; a pivot point link member supporting saidpivot point and said pivot arm; and said pivot point link member andsaid output ember effective to vertically pivot said output memberrelative to said base plate in tandem with a clamping and unclampingaction of said vertically pivoting hydraulic clamp device, whereby saidworkpiece is speedily clamped to said baseplate.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said at least first oil path includesa first oil path section joining said at least main cylinder units tosaid hydraulic pressure supplying means; said first oil path sectionparallel to a surface of said base plate.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a clamp system, wherein: said at least first oil path includesat least a first clamping path and a first unclamping path; said firstclamping path effective to supply said first clamping pressure to eachsaid main cylinder unit during a clamping operation; said firstunclamping path effective to release said first clamping pressure fromeach said main cylinder unit during an unclamping operation, and saidfirst clamping path and said first unclamping path are parallel to eachother and separated along an axis perpendicular to a face of said baseplate, whereby said plurality of hydraulic clamping devices is easilyand simply clamped and unclaimed and said clamping system is simplifiedto minimize component damage.

The present invention provides a clamp system for disengageably securinga workpiece using a plurality of hydraulic clamp devices. A thick baseplate is disposed to allow the plurality of clamp devices to be mounted.Each of the hydraulic clamp devices includes a main cylinder unitdisposed in a wall of the base plate and oriented along a thickness axisof the base plate; an output member including a piston rod extendingfrom the main cylinder unit toward a surface of the base plate; a guidemember disengageably secured to the surface of the base plate andguiding the piston rod to allow forward and back motion, the guidemember covering a major portion of the piston rod projecting out fromthe base plate surface while not obstructing clamping operations of theoutput member; a rod-side cylinder end wall of the main cylinder unitdisengageably secured to the base plate. A first oil path is formed inthe wall of the base plate to supply hydraulic pressure from hydraulicpressure supplying means to the main cylinder units of the plurality ofclamp devices.

After opening, the output members of the plurality of clamp devices areput in a standby state and the workpiece is mounted on the base plate.Once the workpiece is mounted on the base plate and aligned to apredetermined position, hydraulic pressure is sent from hydraulicpressure supplying means to the main cylinder units of the plurality ofclamp devices via the first oil path formed in the wall of the baseplate. This drives the piston rods of the clamp devices, and theworkpiece is pressed against and secured to the base plate by theplurality of output members including the piston rods.

The guide member, which covers the majority of the portion of the pistonrod projecting out from the base plate surface while not obstructing theclamping action of the output member, guides the piston rod so that itcan move back and forth and allows the output member to reliably pressand clamp the workpiece against the base plate. Since the guide membercovers the majority of the projected portion of the piston rod, elasticdeformation of the piston rod during the clamped state is prevented anddeformation of the workpiece is prevented. Furthermore, the piston rodis protected from external dust such as debris from machining.

The guide member and the rod-side cylinder end wall of the main cylinderunit are disengageably secured to the base plate. The guide member andthe rod-side cylinder end wall of the main cylinder unit can bedisengaged and replaced with other piston rods and guide members. Thus,for each clamp device, a guide member and a piston rod having the length(height) appropriate for the clamping position based on the shape andsize of the workpiece can be provided, thus allowing adjustments to bemade easily.

In particular, the main cylinder units of the clamp devices are mountedin the wall of the base plate along the thickness axis of the baseplate. The first oil paths supplying hydraulic pressure from thehydraulic pressure supply device to the main cylinder units of theplurality of clamp devices are formed inside the wall of the base plate.As a result, the wall of the base plate can be used effectively as asection of the main cylinder unit. Also, the structure of the oil pathssupplying hydraulic pressure to the plurality of clamp devices can besimplified, and the design and processing operations can be simplified.

The hydraulic port of the main cylinder unit can be formed in the wallof the base plate parallel to the base plate, and the first oil path canbe connected to the main cylinder unit using a simple oil path that isparallel to the base plate. This eliminates the need to form oil pathsin the base plate, the main cylinder unit, and the guide member that areoriented along the thickness axis of the guide member. Thus, thestructure of the oil paths supplying hydraulic pressure to the pluralityof clamp devices can be made simple.

If the clamp devices are to be disposed at the edges of the base plate,there is no need to form the first oil path further out toward the edgethan the clamp device. This eliminates the need for the correspondingspace. Since there is no need to connect hydraulic pipes to the guidemember, the guide member can be made more compact. As a result, therequired area (i.e., the planar size) of the base plate can be made ascompact as possible and the work area ratio on the upper surface of thebase plate can be increased.

A plurality of support devices can be disposed to support the workpiece,which is clamped by the plurality of clamp devices, onto the base platefrom behind. In this case, the support devices include: a main cylinderunit disposed inside the wall of the base plate along the thickness axisof the base plate; and a support member including a piston rod extendingtoward the surface of the base plate from the main cylinder unit. Asecond oil path is formed in the wall of the base plate to supplyhydraulic pressure from hydraulic pressure supplying means to the maincylinder units of the plurality of support devices.

In this case, after clamping the workpiece to the base plate with theplurality of clamp devices, the piston rods of the support devices areprojected and the ends of the support members are abutted against thesupport points of the workpiece. Then, the support members are locked toprevent them from moving forward or back and this state is maintained.By using the plurality of support devices to simply and reliably supportthe workpiece, which is clamped by the plurality of clamp devices,against the base plate from behind, flexure, vibration, and the like ofthe workpiece during machining can be prevented and processing precisioncan be improved.

Furthermore, the wall as the base plate can be used effectively as partof the main cylinder unit. Also, the structure of the oil pathssupplying hydraulic pressure to the main cylinder units of the pluralityof support devices can be simplified.

Furthermore, a hydraulic pressure booster can be disposed on the baseplate to increase the hydraulic pressure received from hydraulicpressure supplying means and supplying the pressure to the plurality ofsupport devices via the second oil path. In this case, hydraulic pipesfor supplying the hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pressure boostercan be eliminated, thus simplifying the structure and reducingproduction costs.

The main cylinder unit of the hydraulic pressure booster can also bedisposed in the wall of the base plate. In this case, a section of thebase plate can be used effectively as a section of the main cylinderunit. This simplifies the structure of the hydraulic pressure boosterand allows the base plate to be a structure that can be easilytransported. Also, the structure of the oil paths supplying hydraulicpressure to the support device from the hydraulic pressure booster canbe simplified.

In the hydraulic clamp device described above, a pivoting mechanism maybe disposed on the main cylinder unit so that the piston rod is pivotedback and forth approximately 90 degrees in tandem with the action of thepiston rod. In this case, the output member can be pivoted 90 degreesfrom the clamping position when mounting the workpiece to the base plateor when moving the base plate so that the output member, including thepiston rod, does not get in the way.

Also, the hydraulic clamp device can include a pivot arm with an outputmember pivotably supported at a pivot point. A support link membersupporting this pivot point is connected to the guide member. In thiscase, the pivot arm can be pivoted from the clamp position when mountingthe workpiece to the base plate or moving it from the base plate so thatthe output member does not get in the way of the pivot arm.

In the first oil path described above, the oil path section connected tothe main cylinder unit of the hydraulic clamp device can be formedparallel to the surface of the base plate. Thus, a majority of the firstoil path including this oil path section can be formed parallel to thesurface of the base plate. This simplifies the structure of the firstoil path and simplifies design and processing. The plurality ofhydraulic clamp devices can be connected in series via the first oilpath, and, in this case, the structure of the first oil path can be madeeven more simple.

Also, in the first oil paths, the oil path sections connecting at leastthe main cylinder units of the hydraulic clamp devices of the same typecan be formed parallel to the surface of the base plate. Since amajority of the first oil path can be formed parallel to the surface,the structure of the first oil path can be simplified and design andprocessing can be simplified. Furthermore, if the hydraulic clamp deviceis disposed near the edge of the base plate, the space required forforming the first oil path at the edge of the base plate for the clampdevice is not needed, allowing the base plate to be made more compactand allowing the work area ratio to be increased. The plurality ofhydraulic clamp devices can be connected in series via the first oilpath, and this can further simplify the structure of the first oil path.

The first oil path includes: a clamping oil path for clamping theplurality of clamp devices; and an unclamping oil path for releasing theclamped state of the plurality of clamp devices. These clamping oilpaths and unclamping oil paths can be arranged separated from each otheralong the axis perpendicular to the surface of the base plate. The spacealong the axis parallel to the surface of the base plate used to formthe first oil path can be made compact.

The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following description read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-section of a clamp system according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the main elements of the clamp system in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-section of a vertically pivoting link clampdevice.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-section of a horizontally pivoting clampdevice.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-section of a support device.

FIG. 6 is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a hydraulic pressure supplydevice.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-section of a clamp device in a firstalternative embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-section of a base plate of a clamp device ina second alternative embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-section of a support device in a thirdalternative embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-section of a booster in a fourth alternativeembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a hydraulic pressure supplydevice according to a fifth alternative embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front-view of a clamp system according to conventionaltechnology.

FIG. 13 is a partial front-view of a clamp system according toconventional technology.

FIG. 14 is a partial front-view of a clamp system according toconventional technology.

FIG. 15 is a partial front-view of a clamp system according toconventional technology.

FIG. 16 is a schematic plan of a clamp system according to conventionaltechnology.

FIG. 17 is a partial vertical cross-section of FIG. 16 along sectionI—l.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, references to up/down/left/right will bebased on the directions relative to FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a workpiece-securing clamp system 1[hereinafter referred to as the clamp system 1] includes a base plate 2having a predetermined thickness effective for supporting a workpiece W.

A plurality of hydraulic clamp devices 3 are on a first side of baseplate 2. A plurality of hydraulic clamp device 4 are on a second side ofbase plate 2 opposite hydraulic clamp devices 3. During operation, theplurality of hydraulic clamp devices 3, 4 operate to secure workpiece Wto base plate 2.

Hydraulic clamp devices 3 are vertically pivotable relative to baseplate 2. Hydraulic clamp devices 4 are horizontally pivotable relativeto base plate 2. In combination, hydraulic clamp devices 3, 4 arerapidly adaptable to unusually shaped workpieces W.

A plurality of support devices 5, 6, mounted on base plate 2 operate tosupport workpiece W during operation, as will be described. A hydraulicpressure supply device 7 connects with and supplies hydraulic pressureto clamp devices 3, 4 and plurality of support devices 5, 6, as will beexplained. Hydraulic pressure supply device 7 normally supplies anaverage hydraulic pressure range of 7 MPa. A hydraulic pressure booster8 links with hydraulic pressure supply device 7. Hydraulic pressurebooster 8 operates in conjunction with hydraulic pressure supply device7 and increases the average pressure supply range to approximately 25Mpa for support devices 5, 6. During operation, hydraulic pressureapplied to workpiece W is adjustable through operation of hydraulicpressure supply device 7 and hydraulic pressure booster 8.

Each hydraulic clamp device 3 includes a main cylinder unit 30. Eachhydraulic clamp device 4 includes a main cylinder unit 50. Each supportdevice 5, 6 includes a main cylinder unit 70. The walls of base plate 2constitute main cylinder units 30, 50, and 70 vertically relative to athickness axis in positions selected to support workpiece W.

A plurality of clamping oil paths 10 connect hydraulic pressure supplydevice 7 to each main cylinder unit 30, 50. A plurality of unclampingoil paths 11 connect each main cylinder unit 30, 50 to hydraulicpressure supply device 7. During clamping operations, hydraulic clampingpressure passes through clamping oil paths 10 and clamps main cylinderunits 30, 50. During unclamping operations, hydraulic pressure releasesthrough unclamping oil paths 11 and unclamp main units 30, 50. Clampingoil paths 10 and unclamping oil paths 11 are hereinafter collectivelyreferred to as first oil paths 10, 11.

During operation, first oil paths 10, 11 supply hydraulic pressure fromhydraulic pressure supply device 7 to each main cylinder unit 30, 50 andenable respective clamp devices 3, 4 to operate. First oil paths 10, 11are inside base plate 2 parallel to a workpiece W support surface. Firstoil paths 10, 11 extend along a length of base plate 2 and pass througha center axis of each respective main cylinder unit 30, 50.

A plurality of second oil paths 12, 13 connect hydraulic pressure supplydevice 7 and hydraulic pressure booster 8 to each main cylinder unit 70,as will be explained. During operation, second oil paths 12, 13 supplyhydraulic pressure from hydraulic pressure supply device 7 to each maincylinder unit 70 and enable respective support devices 5, 6 to operate.Second oil paths 12, 13 are inside base plate 2.

Hydraulic pressure booster 8 attaches in a fixed manner to a bottom ofbase plate 2. A hydraulic pressure discharge port 13 a connects in afluid-tight manner to second oil path 13 formed in base plate 2. Theposition at which hydraulic pressure booster 8 attaches to base plate 2is not limited to the bottom of base plate 2, but is adaptable accordingto production needs. For example, hydraulic pressure booster 8 may beattached to the side of base plate 2 or may be outside of base plate 2altogether.

Referring now to FIG. 3, each hydraulic clamp device 3 includes maincylinder unit 30 and a piston rod 32. During operation, piston rod 32operates relative to main cylinder unit 30, as will be explained. Anoutput member 31 rotatably extends from piston rod 32. Output member 31includes a pivot arm 33. A pin 32 a pivotably joins pivot arm 32 to maincylinder unit 30.

A bolt (not shown) disengageably secures a guide member 34 to the uppersurface of base plate 2. During operation, guide member 34 guides pistonrod 32 during clamping and unclamping. A pivot linking mechanism 45operates and vertically pivots pivot arm 33 in tandem with the operationof piston rod 32.

A rod-side cylinder end wall 41 extends from guide member 34 into maincylinder unit 30 and base plate 2. Rod-side cylinder end wall 41provides additional support to piston rod 32.

Main cylinder unit 30 includes a cylinder hole 3 a. Cylinder hole 3 a isformed integrally within base plate 2. Guide member 34 covers an upperend of cylinder hole 3 a. Rod-side cylinder end wall 41 extends into andhydraulically seals cylinder hole 3 a.

A cylinder-side wall 42 surrounds cylinder hole 3 a. Cylinder-side wall42 is formed by a portion of base plate 2. A head-side cylinder end wall43 fills cylinder hole 3 a opposite rod-side cylinder end wall 41 andseals cylinder hole 3 a. Head-side cylinder end wall 43 extends frombase plate 2 away from guide member 34.

A piston 40 extends from a bottom end of piston rod 32 and fits slidablyinside cylinder hole 3 a. Piston 40 is operable between rod-sidecylinder end walls 41 and head-side cylinder end wall 43.

For a clamping operation, a first oil chamber 44 a is formed by cylinderhole 3 a between piston 40 and head-side cylinder end wall 43. Forunclamping operation, a second oil chamber 44 b is formed by cylinderhole 3 a between piston 40 and rod-side cylinder end wall 41. First oilchamber 44 a connects to clamping oil path 10. Second oil chamber 44 bconnects to unclamping oil path 11.

A sealing member 38 a seals piston rod 32 to an upper portion of guidemember 34. A sealing member 38 b seals piston rod 32 to a lower portionof guide member 34. A scaling member 38 c seals rod-side cylinder endwall 41 to cylinder hole 3 a. A sealing member 38 d seals piston 40 tocylinder hole 3 a. A sealing member 38 e seals head-side cylinder endwall 43 to cylinder hole 3 a. Collectively, sealing members 38 a through38 e allow each hydraulic clamping unit 3 to hydraulically operatewithout loss of hydraulic fluid.

A pivot linking member 46 pivotably supports pivot arm 33 at a pivotpoint 33 a. A pin 46 a links pivot linking member 46 to pivot arm 33 atpivot point 33 a. A pin 46 a pivotably joins a pivot member 47 to pivotlinking member 46. A lower section of pivot member 47 is threadablysecured into guide member 34.

During operation, pivot linking mechanism 45 pivotably supports outputmember 31, simplifies removal of workpiece W, and aids in increasingclamping force. During unclamping operations, when piston rod 32 is at alowermost position, indicated by the dashed line, pivot arm 33 moves toa recessed position sloping upward at approximately 70 degrees from baseplate 2. During clamping operations, when piston rod 32 is at anuppermost position, indicated by the solid line, pivot arm 33 moves to ahorizontal clamping position.

An adjustment screw 48 is adjustably threaded through an end of pivotarm 33. Adjustment screw is disengageably secured to pivot arm 33 with anut 49. During operation, a lower end of adjustment screw 48 pressesworkpiece W against a pad 2 a. Pad 2 a supports a portion of workpiece Wand is secured to base plate 2. Pad 2 is selectable according tooperator and production needs.

A pressure securing workpiece W to pad 2 a is adjustable throughloosening nut 49 and adjusting adjustment screw 48. The pressuresecuring workpiece W to pad 2 a is also adjustable by threadablyadjusting the position of pivot member 47.

An important benefit of the present design is that guide member 34covers a majority of piston rod 32 projected maximumly above the surfaceof base plate 2. This design prevents piston rod 32 from obstructingpivot arm 33 and the clamping operation of output member 31 whilesimultaneously protecting piston rod 32 from external debris and dust.Since guide member 34 covers the majority of piston rod 32 it providesstrong support and prevents elastic deformation of piston rod 32 duringclamping. During assembly of clamp system 1, guide members 34 and pistonrods 32 are selectable for length appropriate for pads 2 a and workpieceW.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention (not shown) formsrod-side cylinder end wall 41 separately from guide member 34 andsimplifies assembly. In another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention (also not shown), rod-side cylinder end wall 41 may include aseparate alternative cylinder hole and extend into base plate 2. In thisembodiment, cylinder hole 3 a is replaced with the alternativeembodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 4, main cylinder unit 50 of hydraulic clamp device4 extends vertically through base plate 2. An output member 51 includesa piston rod 52 extending upward from main cylinder unit 50 away frombase plate 2. A pivot arm 53 rigidly extends from an end of piston rod52. Pivot arm 53 allows easy placement of workpiece W. Bolts (not shown)disengagably secure a guide member 54 to the upper surface of base plate2. During operation, guide member 54 guides piston rod 52 in aclamp-unclamp cycle.

A rod-side cylinder end wall 61 extends integrally from guide member 54into an upper end of a cylinder hole 4 a. Cylinder hole 4 a extendsdirectly through base plate 2. A head-side cylinder end wall 63 is in alower end of cylinder hole 4 a opposite rod-side cylinder end wall 61. Acylinder side wall 62 is a portion of base plate 2 immediatelysurrounding cylinder hole 4 a.

A pivoting mechanism 65 extends between head-side cylinder head wall andpiston rod 52. Pivoting mechanism 65 enables piston rod 52 toreciprocate axially in tandem with the motion of piston rod 52 andsecure workpiece W to base plate 2, as will be explained.

Main cylinder unit 50 operates between rod-side cylinder end wall 61,cylinder side wall 62, and head-side cylinder end wall 63.

A piston 60 extends from a bottom end of piston rod 52 adjacent aninterior surface of cylinder hole 4 a. An oil chamber 64 a is definedbetween a top portion of piston 60 and rod-side cylinder end wall 61. Anoil chamber 64 b is defined between a bottom portion of piston 60 andthe head-side cylinder end wall 63. Oil chamber 64 a connects toclamping oil path 10. Oil chamber 64 b connects to unclamping oil path11.

A sealing member 58 a seals between piston rod 52 and a top portion ofguide member 54. A sealing member 58 b seals between piston rod 52 and abottom portion of guide member 54. A sealing member 58 c seals betweenrod-side cylinder end wall 61 and cylinder hole 4 a. A sealing member 58d seals between piston 60 and the inner side walls of cylinder hole 4 a.A sealing member 58 e seals between the inner side walls of cylinderhole 4 a and head-side cylinder end wall 63. A sealing member 58 f sealsbetween piston 60 and a rod member 66.

Pivot mechanism 65 includes rod member 66. Rod member 66 extends betweenan inside lower section of piston rod 52 to head-side cylinder end wall63. A plurality of helical grooves 67 extend along a mid-length sectionof rod member 60 with a 90 degree twist. Rod member 66 is fixed relativepiston rod 52.

A support member 68 securely joins an upper end of head-side cylinderend wall 63. Support member 68 supports and rotatably retains aplurality of balls 69 relative to the upper end of head-side cylinderend wall 63. Balls 69 rotatably engage respective helical grooves 67 andsupport member 68.

During clamping (lowering) and unclamping (raising) operations, balls 69engage helical grooves 67 on rod member 66 and ensure piston rod 52 androd member 66 operate in tandem. During operation of piston rod 52,balls 69 engage helical grooves 67 and simultaneously ensure that pivotarm 53 pivots horizontally through 90 degrees in a reciprocating manner.

During clamping operations, piston rod 52 and pivot arm 53 are at alower most position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 4. Duringunclamping operations, piston rod 52 and pivot arm 53 are at an uppermost position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 4. During operation,first oil paths 10, 11 simultaneously connect main cylinder units 30,50, piston rods 32, 52 operate simultaneously.

Guide member 54 covers a majority of piston rod 52 projected maximumly.Guide 54 maintains alignment and prevents piston rod 52 from obstructingpivot arm 53 during operation. Guide member 54 also guides and provideselastic support to piston rod 52 thereby minimizing elastic deformationduring clamping. Guide member 54 further eliminates damage to piston rod52 due to workplace debris. The strong support by guide member 54minimizes damage piston rod 52 damage to workpiece W due tomisalignment.

A length of piston rod 52 and guide member 54 is selectable based uponpredetermined requirements for individual workpieces W. In analternative embodiment, guide member 54 may consist of individuallystackable sections to facilitate rapid adaption to oddly shapedworkpieces W. An a further alternative embodiment, cylinder hole 4 a maybe separately formed in a modified main cylinder unit 50 and latersecurely fitted into base plate 2.

Referring to FIG. 5, support devices 5, 6 each include a main cylinderunit 70 disposed in a wall of base plate 2. Main cylinder units 70 areoriented along the thickness axis of base plate 2. Main cylinder units70 also include a support member 71 for supporting workpiece W. A pistonrod 72 supports each support member 71. A support rod 73 connects to anupper end of piston rod 72 and supports workpiece W, as will beexplained. A guide member 74 guides support member 71 during operation.In sum, support member 71 includes piston rod 72, support rod 73, andguide member 74. Bolts 74 a disengageably join each guide member 74 toan upper end of main cylinder unit 70.

Main cylinder unit 70 rests within a cylinder hole 51 in base plate 2. Ahead-side cylinder end wall 76 secures to a bottom side of a cylindercap 75. Head-side cylinder end wall 76 is opposite guide member 74 onmain cylinder unit 70. Bolts 74 a secure cylinder cap 75 to the uppersurface of base plate 2. A majority of head-side cylinder end wall 76and cylinder cap 75 tightly engage cylinder hole 5 a and stabilizesupport devices 5, 6 relative to base plate 2.

An elastic sleeve 77 fits inside main cylinder unit 70. Elastic sleeve77 slidably fits around an outside of piston rod 72. The outer surfacesof an upper and a lower end of elastic sleeve 77 abut the inner surfaceof cylinder cap 75.

Guide member 74 positively engages and secures elastic sleeve 77 tocylinder cap 75. The upper and lower ends of elastic sleeve 77 bound athin cylindrical section 77 a in the center of elastic sleeve 77.

Elastic sleeve 77, with thin cylinder section 77 a, and cylinder cap 75bound an oil chamber 78. Cylinder cap 75 includes a ring-shaped oil path79 a and an oil path 79 b, as will be described. Ring-shaped oil path 79a surrounds an outer perimeter section of cylinder cap 75. Ring-shapedoil path 79 a communicates with second oil path 13. Oil path 79 bconnects ring-shaped oil path 79 a with oil chamber 78 through cylindercap 75.

During formation, a threaded hole 72 a is formed from above at an uppersection of piston rod 72. A threaded section 73 a of support rod 73 isat a lower end of support rod 73. Threaded section 73 a threadablyengages threaded hole 72 a and joins piston rod 72 to support rod 73.

A cylinder 72 b is on a lower section of piston rod 72. Cylinder 72 bopens downward at the lower section of piston rod 72. A partition wall72 c partitions cylinder 72 b into an upper and a lower section. Duringassembly, a bolt 80 inserts from above and passes through an opening inpartition wall 72 c and extends into the lower section of cylinder 72 bbelow threaded hole 72 a. Partition wall 72 c retains a head of bolt 80.

After assembly, bolt 80 extends through the center of cylinder 72 b andbelow a bottom of cylinder 72 b. At a lower end of bolt 80, a threadedsection threadably engages piston member 81.

During assembly, a cylindrical member 82 slidably fits inside cylinder72 b of piston rod 72. Cylinder cap 75 secures cylindrical member 82 tohead-side cylinder end wall 76. Piston member 81 slidably fits insidecylindrical member 82.

An oil chamber 83 is a space bounded by head-side cylinder end wall 76,piston member 81, and cylindrical member 82. An oil path 79 c connectsoil chamber 83 to second oil path 12.

A first compression coil spring 84 a fits onto an outside portion ofbolt 80, between an upper ring-shaped wall of cylindrical member 82 andpiston member 81. A second compression coil spring 84 b fits onto theoutside of bolt 80, between partition wall 72 c and piston member 81.First compression coil spring 84 a biases piston member 81 downward inthe figure. Second compression coil spring 84 b biases support member 71upward relative to piston member 81 and bolt 80.

During operation, hydraulic pressure is supplied to oil chamber 83through second oil path 12 in support device 5. The hydraulic pressuredrives piston member 81 upward against the bias from first compressioncoil spring 84 a. Thereafter, support member 71 moves upward integrallywith piston member 81 and bolt 80. Once the end of support member 71abuts the lower surface of workpiece W, support member 71 stops andpiston member 81 and bolt 80 move upward and compresses secondcompression coil spring 84 b.

Next, hydraulic pressure, increased by hydraulic pressure booster 8,passes through second oil path 13 into oil chamber 78. The now-boostedhydraulic pressures causes elastic sleeve 77 to elastically deform andcontract radially, locking support member 71 and causing workpiece W toreceive strong support form base plate 2.

The height of support-member 71, used to support the support points ofworkpiece W are determined by the size and shape of workpiece W and maybe easily adjusted using appropriate lengths for support rod 73 andguide member 74.

Sealing members 85 a through 85 h operate to hydraulically sealrespective portions of each support device 5, 6 against hydraulic fluidleakage and enable effective supply of hydraulic pressure to supportworkpiece W.

Support device 6 supports workpiece W in a position lower than supportdevice 5. In place of support member 71 and guide member 74 of supportdevice 5, support device 6 includes a support member 86. Support member86 includes piston rod 72 and a short support rod connected to the endof piston rod 72. Support member 86 also includes a guide member 88which guides and supports short support rod 87. Beyond the differencesnoted above, support device 6 is similar in structure to support device5 and operates in a similar manner.

Referring now to FIG. 6, hydraulic pressure supply device 7 includes ahydraulic pressure pump 92 driven by a motor 91. Hydraulic pressuresupply device 7 generates hydraulic pressures in the range of 7 Mpa.Hydraulic pressure supply device 7 also includes an electromagneticdirection switching valve 93 connecting to hydraulic pressure pump 92along an oil path 90 a.

A first sequence valve 94 is activated at a first pressure setting(e.g., 7 Mpa). First sequence valve 94 connects to an oil path 90 c. Oilpath 90 c extends from an oil path 90 b away from direction switchingvalve 93. Hydraulic pressure supply device 7 also includes a check valve95 disposed in a bypass oil path 90 f of a first sequence valve 94. Asecond sequence valve 96 activates at a second pressure setting (e.g., 7MPa) and connects to first sequence valve 94 along an oil path 90 d anda check valve 97. Check valve 97 is in a bypass oil path 90 g of secondsequence valve 96.

A hydraulic pressure pipe 98 a connects oil path 90 h extending fromdirection switching valve 93 to first oil path 11 of base plate 2.Hydraulic pressure pipe 98 b connects oil path 90 b extending fromdirection switching valve 93 to first oil path 10 of base plate 2. Ahydraulic pressure pipe 98 c connects an oil path 90 i and hydraulicpath 90 d to second oil path 12 of base plate 2. A hydraulic pressurepipe 98 d connects oil path 90 e and hydraulic pressure booster 8.

Hydraulic pressure supply device 7 also includes a control unit (notshown). The control unit controls motor 91, electromagnetic directionswitching valve 93, and other components in hydraulic pressure supplydevice 7.

During operation, direction switching valve 93 provides hydraulicpressure, supplied from hydraulic pressure supply device 7, to theplurality of clamp devices 3, 4 along first unclamping hydraulic path11. Upon receiving hydraulic pressure, pivot arms 33 pivot to a recessedposition at an angle of approximately 70 degrees relative to theclamping position of vertically pivoting clamp devices 3. Additionally,upon receiving hydraulic pressure, pivot arms 53 move to the recessedposition by raising and pivoting from the clamping position ofhorizontally pivoting clamp devices 4. Thus, clamp devices 3, 4 aretransferred to into an unclamped state. In this state, operators mountworkpiece W and align workpiece W to base plate 2.

After mounting and aligning, direction switching valve 93 is activated,and hydraulic pressure flows from hydraulic pressure supply device 7 tothe plurality of clamp devices 3, 4 along first clamping oil path 10 inbase plate 2. More specifically, upon receiving hydraulic pressure alongfirst oil path 10, in the vertically pivoting clamp devices 3, pivotarms 33 orient horizontally into a clamping position for clamp device 3,and press workpiece W against base plate 2. Additionally, inhorizontally pivoting clamp devices 4, pivot arms 53 pivot and approachworkpiece W in a clamping position. Thus, clamp devices 3, 4 enter theclamped state and securely press workpiece W against base plate 2.

During initial clamping operation, the hydraulic pressure applied tofirst sequence valve 94 from hydraulic pressure supply device 7 does notreach the first pressure setting (e.g., 7 MPa). For this reason, firstsequence valve 94 is in a closed state, and hydraulic pressure does notreach oil path 90 d. Once clamp devices 3, 4 clamp workpiece W to baseplate 2, the first pressure setting for first sequence valve 94 isreached, and first sequence valve 94 is opens and supplies hydraulicpressure to oil path 90 d.

When hydraulic pressure reaches oil path 90 d through first sequencevalve 94, hydraulic pressure passes through second oil path 12 tosupport devices 5, 6. Once support devices 5, 6 receive hydraulicpressure, respective support members 71, 86 rise and abut the lowersurface of workpiece W. Up to this point the hydraulic pressure actingon second sequence valve 96 in hydraulic pressure supply device 7 doesnot reach the second pressure setting (e.g., 7 MPa), and second sequencevalve 96 remains in a closed state and does not supply hydraulicpressure supplied to oil path 90 e.

Once support members 71, 86 abut workpiece W, second sequence valve 96reaches its second pressure setting (e.g., 7 Mpa). Upon reaching thesecond pressure setting, second sequence valve 96 opens and supplieshydraulic pressure to oil path 90 e. Oil path 90 e supplies hydraulicpressure to hydraulic pressure booster 8 which operates to increase thehydraulic pressure supplied to the plurality of support devices 5, 6along second oil path 13. Upon receiving the now increased hydraulicpressure, support members 71, 86 of support devices 5, 6 lock firmly andstrongly support workpiece W. Once workpiece W is supported by supportdevices 5, 6 and clamped by clamp devices 3, 4 various machiningoperations are performed securely, quickly, and with sufficient supportto protect, the machining tool, workpiece W, and clamp system 1.

In support system 1, guide members 34, 54, each integral with respectiverod-side cylinder end walls 41, 61, reliably guide respective pistonrods 32, 52. Guide members 34, 54 are disengageably secured to baseplate 2, and may be quickly and easily disengaged and replaced alongwith new piston rods 32, 52. This simple disengagement and replacementallows easy adjustment based on a size and shape of workpiece W andchangeable clamping requirements and positions.

As a further advantage, the hydraulic ports of main cylinder units 30,50 are easily positioned inside base plate 2 in a simple machiningprocess parallel along the length of base plate 2. Since main cylinderunits 30, 50 of clamp devices 3, 4 mount into base plate 2 along thethickness axis of the base plate 2, they easily match with the hydraulicports and first oil paths 10, 11

Since clamp devices 3, 4 are disposed along the edges of base plate 2,first oil paths 10, 11 can be disposed along a line passing throughrespective main cylinder units 30, 50 and connect main cylinder units30, 50 in series. Clamping oil path 10, and unclamping oil path 11 areperpendicular to the surface of base plate 2 and allow a very simplestructure. This simple structure makes alternative design and processingeasier. Where an alternative workpiece W does not require each clampdevice 3, 4, a respective clamp device 3, 4, may be replaced with asimple hydraulic passage unit (not shown) which seals the respectivecylinder hole 3 a, 4 a and easily passes hydraulic pressure to theremaining clamp devices 3, 4.

There is no need to form first oil paths 10, 11 at the edges of clampdevices 3, 4 on base plate 2, thus reducing the need for associatedspace and minimizing size and cost. Since guide members 34, 54 are notintegral with hydraulic fluid passage, guide members 34, 54 may be madecompact along an axis parallel to the surface of base plate 2 and baseplate 2 may be further reduces in size for predetermined workpiece sizesand shapes. This reduction in size, increases a proportion of the workarea to the upper surface of base plate 2.

Since the need to provide hydraulic pipes for main cylinder units 30, 50is eliminated, clamp devices 3, 4 of the clamp system 1 have a simplestructure and reduced production costs. Further, since externalhydraulic pipes connecting clamp devices 3, 4 are be omitted, systemfailures caused by damage to hydraulic pipes and obstructions totransporting base plate 2 are eliminated.

As an additional advantage support members 71, 86 of support devices 5,6 are easily and simply locked so that they cannot be moved, thusallowing an easily maintained full-support and full-clamp state.

Support members 71, 86 are easily arranged by moving compression spring84 b relative to piston member 81, which is raised directly by hydraulicpressure. As a result, the ends of support members 71, 86 are reliablyand quickly abutted against the support points of workpiece W. Thus,workpiece W, is easily and reliably supported against base plate 2 bythe plurality of support devices 5, 6. This support, reliably preventsflexure and vibration in workpiece W during machining and improvesprocessing precision.

Main cylinder units 70 of support devices 5, 6 mount directly in thewall of base plate 2 and allow the wall of base plate 2 to effectivelyserve as a section of main cylinder units 70. Since second oil paths 12,13 are in the wall of base plate 2, clamp system 1 has an easily formedsimple structure thus reducing production costs. Since externalhydraulic pipes connecting support devices 5, 6 are eliminated, systemfailures caused by damage to hydraulic pipes or obstructions totransportation are eliminated.

As a further advantage, hydraulic booster 8 easily provides highhydraulic pressure to the plurality of support devices 5, 6. Hydraulicbooster 8 easily increases the hydraulic pressure received fromhydraulic pressure supply device 7. As a result, clamp system 1 requiresonly one hydraulic pressure supply device 7, is reduced in cost,simplified, and increases production efficiency.

During operation, since each output member 31, 51 rotates away fromworkpiece W, mounting or moving operations for workpiece W aresimplified and faster and more efficient production is possible.Individually, output member 31 includes pivot arm 33 pivotably supportedat pivot point 33 a and easily rotates away from the clamped position.As a further advantage, support link member 46 supports pivot point 33 aand using a lever-advantage increases and transfers hydraulic force frompiston rod 32 to workpiece W while minimizing deflection of pivot arm33.

Below, in addition to the alternative embodiments described above,specific additional alternatives of clamp system 1 are described.Elements similar to those of the above embodiments are assignedidentical numerals. Other structures, operations, and advantages areessentially identical to those of the embodiment described above, andthe corresponding descriptions are omitted.

1) Alternative Embodiment 1

Referring now to FIG. 7, a horizontally pivoting clamp device 4Aincludes a main cylinder unit 100 mounted in the wall of base plate 2.An output member 51 includes a piston rod 52 extending away from thesurface of base plate 2 and a pivot arm 53. Pivot arm 53 is fixed to theend of piston rod 52. A guide member 105 is disengageably secured to thesurface of base plate 2. Guide member 105 guides and supports piston rod52 during operation. As with guide members 34, 54, guide member 105 iscovers a majority of piston rod 52 and provides similar protection fromdeflection and debris.

Main cylinder unit 100 includes a cylinder cap 101 and a head-sidecylinder end wall 102. H-lead-side cylinder end wall 102 secures to thelower end of cylinder cap 101. During assembly, a majority of cylindercap 101 and head-side cylinder end wall 102 are inserted into andsecured in a cylinder hole 4 b in base plate 2. An upper wall 101 a ofcylinder cap 101 forms a rod-side cylinder end wall (not numbered).

A bolt (not shown) secures guide member 105 the upper surface of baseplate 2. Guide member 105 disengageably secures cylinder cap 101 to baseplate 2.

A lower end 106 of guide member 105 also forms at least a portion of therod-side cylinder end wall and further supports guide member 105.Sealing members 107 a through 107 h hydraulically seal respectivemembers of horizontally pivoting clamp device 4A against hydraulicleakage and enable swift and secure movement. Cylinder cap 101 and guidemember 105 may be formed integrally in a further simplification of thepresent design thus further simplifying assembly, reducing costs, andimproving production efficiency.

2) Alternative Embodiment 2 (FIG. 8)

Referring now to FIG. 8, a clamp device 4B includes a cylinder cap 108and a guide member 109. Cylinder cap has a lower portion forming ahead-side cylinder end wall (not numbered). Guide member 109 coverscylinder cap 108 and the top of cylinder hole 4 b, forming the rod-sidecylinder end wall 109 a, and securely guiding piston rod 52 duringoperation.

As with guide members 34, 54 described above, guide member 109 is highenough to cover the majority of the projected portion of piston rod 52during operation.

3) Alternative Embodiment 3:

Referring now to FIG. 9, a hydraulic pressure booster 8C replaceshydraulic pressure booster 8. A main cylinder unit 110 securely mountsto base plate 2. Main cylinder unit 110 includes a cylinder cap 111 anda head-side cylinder end wall 112. Cylinder cap 111 forms a majority ofmain cylinder unit 110. Head-side cylinder end wall 112 firmly securesto the bottom end of cylinder cap 111.

During assembly, cylinder cap 111 and an upper section of head-sidecylinder end wall 112 are inserted into a hole 8 a and secured by a bolt(not shown) Hole 8 a is formed in a bottom of base plate 2.

A piston member 113 slidably fits within cylinder cap 111. Duringoperation, a large-diameter piston 113 a of piston member 113 slidablyoperates between head-side cylinder end wall 112 and cylinder cap 111.An oil chamber 114 is formed between cylinder cap 111, head-sidecylinder end wall 112, and large-diameter piston member 113 a.

A section of hole 8 a above cylinder cap 111 forms a booster chamber115. A small-diameter piston 113 b on piston member 113 projects intobooster chamber 115. Booster chamber 115 connects to an oil path 13C.

A hydraulic pressure supply device 7B includes an oil path 117 areceiving hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pump (not shown in thefigure). A pilot hydraulic switching valve 120 is disposed on oil path117 a. An oil path 117 b connects oil path 13C of base plate 2 tohydraulic pressure supply device 7B.

A sequence valve 121 is on an oil path 117 c. Oil path 117 c connects ahydraulic supply port 114 a, on main cylinder unit 110, to sequencevalve 121. Sequence valve 121 communicates with oil path 117 a and oilchamber 114 of hydraulic booster 8C. A check valve 122 is disposed in abypass oil path 117 d of sequence valve 121.

During operation of this embodiment, clamp devices 3, 4 clamp workpieceW to base plate 2. Hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pump andhydraulic pressure supply device 7B is supplied to support device 5though oil path 117 b and second oil path 13C in base plate 2.

Additionally, while applying an appropriate load to support member 71,hydraulic pressure is supplied to second oil path 12 of the base plate 2and the support member 71 raises. When support member 71 abuts workpieceW, the hydraulic pressure increases and sequence valve 121, which hadbeen closed opens when the raised hydraulic pressure releases a firstpressure setting, thus causing hydraulic pressure to enter hydraulicpressure booster 8C.

As hydraulic pressure booster 8C receives hydraulic pressure, pistonmember 113 activates and the hydraulic pressure is increased in boosterchamber 115. Oil path 13 c transports the now-boosted hydraulic pressureto support device 5, and support member 71 firmly locks and supportsworkpiece W.

4) Alternative Embodiment 4

Referring now to FIG. 10, in a hydraulic pressure booster 8D, cylindercap 111 of hydraulic pressure booster 8 is eliminated. A hole (notlabeled) is in base plate 2 and securely mounts main cylinder unit 110Din the wall of base plate 2. In this embodiment, small-diameter piston113 b projects into booster chamber 115D above the head-side cylinderwall, and booster chamber 115D connects to oil path 13D.

5) Alternative Embodiment 5

Referring now to FIG. 11, a hydraulic pressure supply device 7E includesa hydraulic pump 132 driven by a motor 131. Hydraulic pump 132 and motor131 operate to provide a hydraulic pressure (e.g., 7 Mpa) to clampingsystem 1. An oil path 130 a connects an electromagnetic switching valve133 connects to hydraulic pump 132. An oil path 130 b connects anelectromagnetic direction switching valve 134 to hydraulic pump 132. Anoil path 130 c and an oil path 130 d connect a sequence valve 135 todirection switching valve 134. Sequence valve 135 activates at a firstpressure setting (e.g., 7 Mpa). A check valve 136 is disposed in abypass oil path 130 f of sequence valve 135.

A pair of oil paths 130 g, 130 h extend from direction switching valve133 and connect to respective first oil paths 10, 11 in base plate 2. Anoil path 130 i extends from oil paths 130 c, 130 d and connects tosecond oil path 12 of base plate 2. Oil path 130 e extends from sequencevalve 135 to hydraulic booster 8.

During operation, when direction switching valve 134 is switched torelease hydraulic pressure, direction switching valve 133 is controlled,and first oil path 10 passes hydraulic pressure from hydraulic pressuresupply device 7E to clamp devices 3.

Clamp devices 3 receive the hydraulic pressure and enter the clampedstate and secure workpiece W to base plate 2. Once workpiece W isclamped, direction switching valve 134 is controlled supplies hydraulicpressure to oil path 130 c.

Oil path 130 c passes hydraulic pressure through second oil path 12 andbase plate 2 to support devices 5, 6. The hydraulic pressure causessupport members 71, 86 to rise and abut the lower surface of workpieceW. Once support members 71, 86 reach workpiece W, the first pressuresetting is applied to sequence valve 135. Upon reaching the firstpressure setting, sequence valve 135 opens and supplies hydraulicpressure to hydraulic pressure booster 8. Hydraulic pressure booster 8increases the hydraulic pressure, and returns the now-boosted hydraulicpressure through second oil path 13 to support devices 5, 6.

6) Alternative Embodiment 6

In another alternative embodiment, clamping devices 3, 4 may bealternatively replaced with all clamping devices 3 or all clampingdevices 4 depending upon operation and production requirements.

7) Alternative Embodiment 7

In an alternative embodiment main cylinder units 30 of vertical pivotingclamp devices 3 may be mounted in the wall of the base plate byproviding a cylinder cap and head-side cylinder end wall as inhorizontally pivoting clamp 4A of FIG. 8, and inserting the cylinder capand the head-side cylinder end wall into a cylinder hole formed in baseplate 2.

8) Alternative Embodiment 8

In an alternative embodiment, alternative clamping devices other thanclamp devices 3, 4, 4A, 4B may be used as the hydraulic clamp devices,and the main cylinder units of these alternative clamping devices may bemounted on the thickness axis of base plate 2.

9) Alternative Embodiment 9

In an alternative embodiment base plate 2 may be arranged at any angleaccording to operational and mechanical needs. Base plate 2 is notrestricted to horizontal positioning. Further, two separate base plates2 may be used in tandem at different angles to support complexworkpieces W.

The present invention may also be implemented with alternative types ofclamp systems other than those described above.

In understanding hydraulic pressure delivery to clamp devices 3, 4through first oil paths 10, 11, it should be understood, that thedelivery of hydraulic pressure downstream from hydraulic pressure supplydevice 7, where identified as ‘in series,’ is substantially in seriesthrough each respective clamp device 3, 4 (see FIGS. 2 and 6) despiteclamp devices 3, 4 being separated in different rows, each row issupplied simultaneously in series. In other words, in each row, if asingle clamp device 3, 4 fails to pass hydraulic pressure, there is nopassage beyond the failed device.

It understanding hydraulic pressure delivery to support devices 5, 6through second oil paths 12, 13, it should be understood, that thedelivery of regular and boosted hydraulic pressure downstream fromhydraulic pressure supply device 7 and hydraulic pressure booster 8,where identified as ‘in parallel,’ is substantially in parallel from acommon supply line between each respective support device 5, 6 (seeFIGS. 2 and 6) despite the individual physical arrangement of supportdevices 5, 6.

Although only a single or few exemplary embodiments of this inventionhave been described in detail above, those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplaryembodiment(s) without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the spirit and scope of this invention asdefined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-functionclauses are intended to cover the structures described or suggestedherein as performing the recited function and not only structuralequivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, althougha nail, a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that anail relies entirely on friction between a wooden part and a cylindricalsurface, a screw's helical surface positively engages the wooden part,and a bolt's head and nut compress wooden part together, in theenvironment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt maybe readily understood by those skilled in the art as equivalentstructures.

Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with referenceto the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the inventionis not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changesand modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as definedin the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A clamp system, for securing a workpiece,comprising: a base plate; a plurality of hydraulic clamping devices onsaid base plate; a first oil path formed in a wall of said base plate tosupply a hydraulic pressure from a hydraulic pressure supplying means toeach of said plurality hydraulic clamping devices; each of saidhydraulic clamping devices including, a main cylinder unit disposed insaid wall of said base plate and oriented along a thickness axis of saidbase plate, an output member including a piston rod extending from saidmain cylinder unit toward an outside of a surface of said base plate, aguide member disengageably secured to said surface of said base plateand guiding said piston rod to allow a forward and a backward motion,said guide member covering a major portion of said piston rod projectingout from said surface and not obstructing a clamp operation of saidoutput member, a rod-side cylinder end wall of said main cylinder unitdisengageably secured to said baseplate, wherein, said workpiece,clamped by said plurality of clamping devices, is supported from saidbase plate by a plurality of support devices; each of said supportdevices including a second main cylinder unit disposed in said wall ofsaid base plate and oriented along a thickness axis of said base plate;a support member including a second piston rod extending from saidsecond main cylinder unit toward said outside of said surface of saidbase plate; said base plate including a second oil path formed in saidwall thereof to supply said hydraulic pressure from said hydraulicpressure supplying means to said second main cylinder units of saidplurality of support devices and a hydraulic pressure booster meansdisposed on said base plate effective to increase said hydraulicpressure received from said hydraulic pressure supplying means andsupplying said increased hydraulic pressure to said plurality of supportdevices via said second oil path.
 2. A clamp system, for disengageablysecuring a workpiece to a base plate, comprising: a plurality ofclamping devices on said base plate; said plurality of clamping deviceseffective to hydraulically and securely clamp said workpiece to saidbase plate during an external operation; a plurality of support deviceson said base plate; said plurality of support devices effective tohydraulically and securely support said workpiece on said base plateduring said external operation; hydraulic pressure means for supplyingat least a first hydraulic pressure to said plurality of clampingdevices and to said plurality of support devices to enable respectiveclamping and supporting of said workpiece; and hydraulic booster meansfor boosting said at least first hydraulic pressure to a boostedhydraulic pressure, and for supplying said boosted hydraulic pressure toand locking said plurality of support devices, whereby said clampingsystem easily and securely clamps and supports said workpiece and allowsspeedy removal for later processing.
 3. A clamp system, according toclaim 2, wherein: said plurality of clamping devices includes at leastone vertically pivoting hydraulic clamp device.
 4. A clamp system,according to claim 3, wherein: said hydraulic pressure means includes atleast first oil path means for supplying said first hydraulic pressuredownstream to said plurality of support devices.
 5. A clamp system,according to claim 4, wherein: said hydraulic booster means includes atleast second oil path means for suppling said boosted hydraulic pressuredownstream to said plurality of said support devices; and said hydraulicbooster means effective to boost said at least first hydraulic pressureto said boosted hydraulic pressure after said workpiece is securelyclamped to said base plate at said first hydraulic pressure, wherebysaid support devices will not shift said workpiece upon application ofsaid boosted hydraulic pressure.
 6. A clamp system, according to claim5, wherein: said first oil path means for supplying is in said baseplate; and said second oil path means for supplying is in said baseplate, wherein said base plate provides easy protection for said firstoil path means and said second oil path means and minimizes damage tosaid hydraulic pressure means and said hydraulic booster means duringsaid external operation.
 7. A clamp system, according to claim 5,wherein: said second oil path means for supplying supplies said boostedhydraulic pressure along a parallel hydraulic circuit.
 8. A clampsystem, according to claim 4, wherein: said first oil path means forsupplying supplies said first hydraulic pressure downstream to saidplurality of support devices along a series hydraulic circuit.
 9. Aclamp system, according to claim 3, wherein: said plurality of clampingdevices including at least one horizontally pivoting hydraulic clampdevice; and said at one vertically pivoting hydraulic clamp deviceoperable in tandem with said at least one horizontally pivotinghydraulic clamp device upon receiving said first hydraulic pressure fromsaid hydraulic pressure means for supplying.
 10. A clamp system,according to claim 9, further comprising: a main cylinder unit in saidvertically pivoting hydraulic clamp device; said main cylinder unitextending perpendicular to said base plate; a piston rod in said maincylinder unit; said piston rod extending away from said main cylinderunit when said main cylinder unit receives said first hydraulic pressurein a clamping direction and retracting toward said main cylinder unitwhen said main cylinder unit receives said first hydraulic pressure inan unclamping direction; a guide member on said main cylinder unit; saidguide member disengageably fixed to an upper surface of said base plate;and said guide member effective to support said piston rod during saidextending and said retracting whereby said guide member protects saidpiston rod from damage and debris during said external operation.
 11. Aclamp system, according to claim 10, further comprising: a rod-sidecylinder end wall on main cylinder unit; said rod-side cylinder end wallintegral with guide member; said piston rod on an output member; a pivotarm on said output member; said pivot arm is pivotably supported on afirst end of said piston rod; said pivot arm effective to securely clampsaid workpiece to said baseplate during said clamping; a pivot linkingmechanism rotatively linking said pivot arm and said guide member; apivot linking member in said pivot linking mechanism; and said pivotlinking mechanism vertically pivoting said pivot arm in tandem with saidextending and said retracting of said piston rod, whereby said pivotlinking mechanism and said pivot arm transmit said first hydraulic forceand securely clamp an speedily unclamp said workpiece.
 12. A clamp unit,according to claim 9, further comprising: a second main cylinder unit insaid horizontally pivoting hydraulic clamp device; said second maincylinder unit extending perpendicular to said base plate; a secondpiston rod in said second main cylinder unit; said second piston rodextending away from said second main cylinder unit when said second maincylinder unit receives said first hydraulic pressure in said unclampingdirection and retracting toward said second main cylinder unit when saidsecond main cylinder unit receives said first hydraulic pressure in saidclamping direction; a second guide member on said second main cylinderunit; said second guide member disengageably fixed to an upper surfaceof said base plate; and said second guide member effective to supportsaid second piston rod during said extending and said retracting wherebysaid second guide member protects said second piston rod from damage anddebris during said external operation.
 13. A clamp system, according toclaim 12, further comprising: a second rod-side cylinder end wall onsecond main cylinder unit; said second rod-side cylinder end wallintegral with second guide member; said second piston rod on a secondoutput member; a second pivot arm on said second output member; saidsecond pivot arm fixably extending from a first end of said secondpiston rod perpendicular to said second piston rod; said second pivotarm effective to securely clamp said workpiece to said baseplate duringsaid clamping; a pivoting mechanism rotatably and extendably linkingsaid second piston rod and said second main cylinder unit; and saidpivoting mechanism effective to vertically extend, retract, and pivotsaid second pivot arm in tandem with said extending and said retractingof said second piston rod, whereby said pivoting linking mechanismtransmits said first hydraulic force and securely clamp an speedilyunclamps said workpiece.
 14. A clamp system, according to claim 13,further comprising: at least a rod member in said pivoting mechanism; atleast a head-side cylinder end wall in said second main cylinder unit;said rod member fixably linked at a top side inside a lower section ofsaid second piston rod; said rod member slidably and rotatably linked ata bottom side to said head-side cylinder end wall; said rod memberincluding a plurality of helical grooves along an outer circumference ofsaid rod member; said plurality of helical grooves traveling in an arcabout said outer circumference; said arc between seventy-five and up toninety degree (75°-90°); a support member on an upper side of saidhead-side cylinder end wall; a plurality of balls rotatably supportedand retained in support member; and said plurality of balls engagingrespectively each said plurality of helical grooves, whereby when saidsecond piston rod extends and retracts, said rod member rotatably guidessaid second piston rod and said second pivot arm through said arc tospeedily engage and disengage said workpiece.
 15. A clamp system,according to claim 14, wherein: said arc is between ninety and up to onehundred and five degrees (90°-105°).
 16. A clamp system, according toclaim 9, wherein: said plurality of support devices includes at least afirst vertical support device; a third main cylinder unit in said firstvertical support device; said third main cylinder unit extendingperpendicular to said base plate; a cylinder cap in said main cylinderunit; a head-side cylinder end wall secured to said cylinder cap; saidcylinder cap and said head-side cylinder end wall securing said thirdmain cylinder unit in said base plate; a support member in said verticalsupport device; said support member extends perpendicular to said baseplate and away from said main cylinder unit; a third piston rod in saidsupport member; a support rod extending from an upper end of said thirdpiston rod; said third main cylinder unit effective to receive saidfirst hydraulic pressure as at least one of a first support pressure anda first unsupporting pressure and respectively extending and retractingsaid third piston rod according to said first hydraulic pressure; athird guide member extending away from said base plate; said third guidemember guidably surrounding and supporting said support member duringsaid extension and said retraction, thereby protecting said supportmember from debris and damage; and means for receiving said boostedhydraulic pressure from said hydraulic booster means and releasablylocking said support member against said workpiece relative to saidthird main cylinder, whereby said workpiece is supported at a pressuregreater than said first hydraulic pressure.
 17. A clamp system, fordisengageably securing a workpiece to a base plate, comprising: aplurality of clamping devices on said base plate; said plurality ofclamping devices effective to hydraulically clamp said workpiece to saidbase plate; a plurality of support devices on said base plate; saidplurality of support devices effective to hydraulically support saidworkpiece on said base plate; hydraulic pressure means for supplying atleast a first hydraulic pressure through said base plate to each saidclamping member and to each said support member; and hydraulic boostermeans for boosting said at least first hydraulic pressure to a boostedhydraulic pressure, and for supplying said boosted hydraulic pressurethrough said base plate to and locking said plurality of supportdevices, whereby said clamping system easily and securely clamps andsupports said workpiece and allows speedy removal for later processing.18. A clamp system, according to claim 17, wherein: said plurality ofclamping devices are vertically pivoting hydraulic clamp devices.
 19. Aclamp system, according to claim wherein: said plurality of clampingdevices are horizontally pivoting hydraulic clamp devices.
 20. A clampsystem, for disengageably securing a workpiece to a base plate,comprising: a plurality of clamping devices on said base plate; saidplurality of clamping devices effective to hydraulically and securelyclamp said workpiece to said base plate during an external operation;said plurality of clamping devices including at least one verticallypivoting hydraulic clamp device; a plurality of support devices on saidbase plate; said plurality of support devices effective to hydraulicallyand securely support said workpiece on said base plate during saidexternal operation; hydraulic pressure means for supplying at least afirst hydraulic pressure through said base plate to said plurality ofclamping devices and to said plurality of support devices; and hydraulicbooster means for boosting said at least first hydraulic pressure to aboosted hydraulic pressure, and for supplying said boosted hydraulicpressure through said base plate to and locking said plurality ofsupport devices, whereby said clamping system easily and securely clampsand supports said workpiece and allows speedy removal for laterprocessing.
 21. A clamp system, for disengageably securing a workpieceto a bas pate, comprising: a plurality of clamping devices on said baseplate; said plurality of clamping devices effective to hydraulically andsecurely clamp said workpiece to said base plate during an externaloperation; said plurality of clamping devices including at least onevertically pivoting hydraulic clamp device and at least one horizontallypivoting hydraulic clamp device; a plurality of support devices on saidbase plate; said plurality of support devices effective to hydraulicallyand securely support said workpiece on said base plate during saidexternal operation; hydraulic pressure means for supplying at least afirst hydraulic pressure to said plurality of clamping devices and tosaid plurality of support devices; and hydraulic booster means forboosting said at least first hydraulic pressure to a boosted hydraulicpressure, and for supplying said boosted hydraulic pressure to andlocking said plurality of support devices, whereby said clamping systemeasily and securely clamps and supports said workpiece and allows speedyremoval for later processing.
 22. A clamp system comprising: a pluralityof hydraulic clamp devices on said base plate; at least a main cylinderunit in each said hydraulic clamp device; said main cylinder unitdisposed in a wall of said base plate; said main cylinder unit orientedalong a first thickness axis of said base plate; at least an outputmember in each said hydraulic clamp device; a piston rod in each saidoutput member extending away from said main cylinder unit; a guidemember disengageably secured to a surface of said base plate; said guidemember effective to guide said piston rod during an extension and aretraction; said guide member covering at least have of said piston rodprojecting away from said surface of said base plate; a rod-sidecylinder end wall on said main cylinder unit; hydraulic pressuresupplying means for supplying at least a first hydraulic pressure tosaid main cylinder units; said rod-side cylinder mend wall disengageablysecured to said base plate; at least a first oil path in a wall of saidbase plate effective supply said first hydraulic pressure from hydraulicpressure supplying means to said main cylinder units, whereby saidplurality of clamp devices securely clamp said workpiece to said baseplate; a plurality of support devices; said plurality of support devicesextending away from said base plate; said plurality of support deviceseffective to support an external clamped workpiece away from said baseplate during an external operation; each said support device including asecond main cylinder unit; said second main cylinder unit disposed insaid wall of said base plate; said second main cylinder unit orientedalong said thickness axis of said base plate; a second support member ineach said plurality of support devices; said second support memberincluding a second piston rod; said second piston rod extending fromsaid second main cylinder unit away from said base plate; a second oilpath in said base plate; said second oil path supplying said firsthydraulic pressure from said hydraulic pressure supplying means to eachsaid second main cylinder units of said plurality of support devices;and means for boosting said first hydraulic pressure received saidhydraulic pressure supplying means to a second hydraulic pressure; saidmeans for boosting on said base plate; said means for boostingincreasing including means for supplying said second hydraulic pressureto said plurality of support devices, whereby said plurality of supportdevices provide increased support to said workpiece.
 23. A clamp system,according to claim 22, wherein: said means for boosting includes atleast a second oil path; said second oil path effective to transportsaid second hydraulic pressure to said plurality of support devices. 24.A clamp system, according to claim 23, wherein: said plurality ofhydraulic clamp devices includes at least one horizontally pivotinghydraulic clamp device; a pivoting mechanism in said horizontallypivoting hydraulic clamp device; and said pivoting mechanism effectiveto pivot said piston rod an a horizontal clearance arc in tandem with aclamping and an unclamping action of said horizontally pivoting clampdevice, whereby said workpiece is speedily clamped to said baseplate.25. A clamp system, according to claim 24, wherein: said plurality ofhydraulic clamp devices includes at least one vertically pivotinghydraulic clamp device; said vertically pivoting hydraulic clamp deviceincludes at least an output member; said output member includes a pivotarm having a pivotably supported pivot point; a pivot point link memberoperably joined to said guide member; a pivot point link membersupporting said pivot point and said pivot arm; and said pivot pointlink member and said output ember effective to vertically pivot saidoutput member relative to said base plate in tandem with a clamping andunclamping action of said vertically pivoting hydraulic clamp device,whereby said workpiece is speedily clamped to said baseplate.
 26. Aclamp system, according to claim 25, wherein: said at least first oilpath includes a first oil path section joining said at least maincylinder units to said hydraulic pressure supplying means; said firstoil path section parallel to a surface of said base plate.
 27. A clampsystem, according to claim 26, wherein: said at least first oil pathincludes at least a first clamping path and a first unclamping path;said first clamping path effective to supply said first clampingpressure to each said main cylinder unit during a clamping operation;said first unclamping path effective to release said first clampingpressure from each said main cylinder unit during an unclampingoperation, and said first clamping path and said first unclamping pathare parallel to each other and separated along an axis perpendicular toa face of said base plate, whereby said plurality of hydraulic clampingdevices is easily and simply clamped and unclaimed and said clampingsystem is simplified to minimize component damage.